Manali, being a place since long, serves as the wellspring of my inspirations to click some lovely moments. This beautiful hill station, situated in the Kullu Valley, has numerous avenues that have picture-perfect backdrops to relish the great photography experience. Be it the mighty mountains or the lush green valley, Manali is a photographer’s delight.
Here are my top 10 favorite places in Manali for a photoshoot where I got to personally experience the magic of the Himalayas and capture some truly stunning shots. If you’re searching for the best places for a photoshoot in Manali, these spots are sure to provide the perfect backdrop for your memorable moments.
Solang Valley: The Paradise of Adventure Lovers
The Solang Valley lies 13 km from Manali, and I am engaged time and again by the scenic beauty of the valley and the adventure activities carried out here. Winters turn the entire vale into snow land, a shot one needs to capture the glimpses of winter paradise. Summer greets with emerald meadows contrasting pretty well with towering peaks.
The best viewpoints for photographs would be at the top of the valley to get panoramic views, while near the paragliding launch site base station would give one dynamic action shot against the great backdrop. My favorite memory here is paragliding with my camera strapped tightly to take aerial shots of this beautiful valley.
Rohtang Pass: Where Snow Meets Sky
Rohtang Pass is one of the most iconic places I have visited, set at an altitude of 3,978 meters. The road to Rohtang itself presents a visual delight by way of winding roads and panoramic views of the Himalayas. The pass often remains snowed up during summer itself, thus providing a surreal setup for dramatic and ethereal photographs.
Get sweeping vistas from some of the highest vantage points for the best views, and try visiting in the early morning to avoid large crowds and get that magic golden hour light. It’s an unforgettable early morning visit to me when the sun rose, turning the snow-capped peaks a mesmerizing pink.
Old Manali: The Charming Rustic Retreat
This place, Old Manali, has quaint cafes, traditional wooden houses, and serene views of the riverbank; all combined, it presents a perfect rustic-charm-cum-bohemian-vibe feel. Thin alleys painted with colorful graffiti, the gushing sounds of the Beas River nearby, and greenery all around present a fantastical backdrop for easy and artistic shoots.
The best picture spots include a cute bridge over the Beas River, those colored walls of local cafes, and walking trails toward ancient Manu Temple. One of those places which I specially adore is the ancient Manu Temple, for it adds that touch of spiritual serenity to my frames.
Hadimba Temple: Glimpse of Sacred Serenity
One of the most visited places of Manali is the Hadimba Temple, also known as Dhungri Temple, surrounded by a dense forest of deodar trees. This ancient wooden temple, dedicated to the goddess Hadimba, simply gives off peaceful and pious vibes. These intricate structures with the surrounding forest are perfect for shooting mystical and serene photographs.
For the best shots, target the entrance to the temple, framed by the towering deodar trees, detailed wood carvings, and serene pathways that wind through the forest. I still have those pictures that I clicked here in the morning fog when it looked like the temple was straight out of a fairy tale.
Jogini Waterfalls: Nature’s Majestic Cascade
A short trek from Vashisht Village is what it takes to reach the breathtaking Jogini Waterfalls. These are the cascading falls, totally surrounded by greenery and rocky cliffs, hence making the backdrop to any picture dramatic and breathtaking. Equally enchanting is the journey to the falls, with scenic trails and still numerous photo opportunities.
The best pictures can be captured at different angles of the waterfall, most especially from below to show its height and power, and from the side to include the greenery. One of my favorite shoots here was to capture the vibrant rainbows that the mist created in the sunlight.
The Beas River: Flowing Through the Heart of Manali
The crystal-clear waters and serene ambiance of the Beas River make it a versatile location for any kind of photoshoot. The riverbanks, lined with pebbles and flanked by lush forests, form a tranquil, picturesque setting. For the best pictures, try alongside the riverside at Old Manali for serene, reflective shots and around Beas Kund Trek for some more adventurous and rugged landscapes.
Capture the golden hues of sunrise, vibrant colors of sunset, or serene flow of the river during the day—events at which the Beas River offers endless possibilities. More often than not, I come here to capture the reflection of the mountains in the still waters.
Manali Sanctuary: Paradise for Wildlife Lovers
This Manali Sanctuary has superb views of nature and offers quite a different scenario for the shoot to nature buffs and wildlife enthusiasts like me. As one of the best places for a photoshoot in Manali, this sanctuary is embellished with various types of flora and fauna, such as the snow leopard and the Himalayan tahr.
Turning it into a picturesque and adventurous location, the lush green forests, wandering paths, and opportunistic sightings of wildlife are simply great.
If you want to get the best clicks, then some of the deeper trails within the sanctuary were just perfect to get ‘virgin’ nature photos, while others involved browsing through open meadows to sight and click wildlife. Once, I got a great opportunity to click a picture of a herd of deer within the trees—a lifetime experience.
Gulaba: A Snow-Clad Wonderland
Gulaba is a place that is somewhat lesser known and is on the way to Rohtang Pass, offering stunning snow-laden landscapes. During the winter months, the whole area is covered with a thick blanket of snow, producing a pristine scene and environment. The panoramic views of snow-laden peaks and the untouched beauty of Gulaba offer an appropriate area for a winter wonderland photo shoot.
For the best shots, locate vantage points that are high enough to give you vast views of the snow-covered area and the trees and rocks laden with snow. The tranquility and solitude offered by this place make it one of the favorite spots for serene winter scenes.
Hampta Pass: The Trekker’s Delight
If trekking is your passion or if you are up for some adventure, you ought to go to Hampta Pass. This pass rises to an altitude of 4,270 meters above sea level. The surrounding mountains and valleys can be breathtaking from this height. From lush green meadows to barren rocky land, it gives a dramatic and varied backdrop for picture shoots.
Get the best pictures of the changing landscapes along the trek, the panoramic views from the top, and also the reflections in the small alpine lakes. But to scale the trek to Hampta Pass and capture moments of raw beauty has been one of my most fulfilling moments.
Naggar Castle: A Historical Marvel
Amongst places of high historical value lying around Manali is Naggar Castle, located at a distance of about 20 kilometers. It’s an amalgamation of history, architecture, and scenic beauty. The castle made from stone and wood architecture depicts panoramic views of Kullu Valley. This place is perfect for a regal, timeless photoshoot due to the ancient charm reeked with simply stunning vistas.
For those types of shots that will make one’s jaw drop, use the castle architecture, panoramic views from the balconies, and the apple orchards around it. I also suggest going down to the Roerich Art Gallery, which is nearby, and visiting some of the apple orchards around for some really distinctive and artistic shots.
Conclusion
Manali is a place of diversified landscapes and beauty that offers limitless opportunities to get a perfect click for memory. Adventure, serenity, history, and nature—there’s all in this one Himalayan haven. If you’re on the lookout for the best places for a photoshoot in Manali, this destination provides numerous stunning backdrops to capture the magic, excellence, and beauty of the region at its best. So pack your camera, dress up well, and get ready to capture the essence of Manali. Trust me, these locations won’t turn your back upon. Happy shooting!